The California Municipal Utilities Association on Oct. 15 announced the appointment of Danielle Blacet-Hyden as our new Executive Director, effective January 1, 2025.
Blacet-Hyden will succeed outgoing Executive Director Barry Moline, who is retiring at the end of 2024.
With nearly 25 years of experience as an executive-level policy advocate, "Blacet-Hyden brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. She has effectively represented public water agencies and publicly owned utilities in the Legislature and with regulatory agencies throughout her career," CMUA said.
Blacet-Hyden has been with CMUA since 2014, most recently serving as Deputy Executive Director the last four years.
"Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in several major policy successes benefiting CMUA members, including a visionary effort that secured $2 billion from the state to help California utility customers pay their bills during the pandemic," CMUA noted.
Blacet-Hyden has been responsible for elevating and growing CMUA's water advocacy program, while improving the association's reputation and effectiveness at the State Capitol and with regulatory agencies.
Under her leadership, CMUA has added new members and implemented a new water dues structure to ensure continued effectiveness. She also has led the association’s strategic planning, aligning member priorities with the association’s day-to-day actions.
"Danielle has been an invaluable asset to CMUA, and I couldn't be more thrilled to pass the baton to her," said Moline, who led CMUA the past eight years. "Her dedication, acumen, and vision for the future of California's publicly owned electric utilities and water agencies make her the perfect choice to lead CMUA into its next chapter."
Craig Miller, general manager of Western Water and CMUA Board of Governors president, expressed confidence in the selection. "After a thorough, nationwide search process, Danielle emerged as the clear choice to lead CMUA forward,” said Miller. “Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that our members face, combined with her proven track record of member-focused advocacy and innovative leadership, positions her perfectly to guide our organization in these critical times. Speaking for the Board of Governors, she has our full support."
Blacet-Hyden's experience includes roles at the Association of California Water Agencies and Western Growers Association. She holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations and Political Science from the University of California at Davis and a Certificate of Achievement in Computer Information Science from American River College.
Blacet-Hyden currently serves on the UC Davis Dean's Advisory Council and World Water Industry Board, and is the incoming chair of the CA-NV AWWA Water Resources Division.
